The roof of a home represents shelter and protection. It is designed to keep all of the tough stuff out, so that you can live in comfort and security. But, in order to benefit from this protection, you have to be willing to give your roof some regular love and care. This means keeping the shingles clean, inspecting the gutters, and repairing broken tiles.

If you do these things, you’ll get as much life out of your roof as possible. You’ll be able to put off buying a replacement until the roof does begin to show signs of wear and tear. Also, the risk of developing a leak in the ceiling or internal water damage will remain very low. Without cracks and gaps to exploit, water cannot wreak havoc with the structural components of a roof.

This guide to some of the best ways to extend the life of your roof will help you keep it strong for years to come.

Clean the Tiles Regularly

It is important to keep the tiles clean and free of dirt, grime, and moisture. This is a good way to prevent creeping growths like algae, lichen, and moss from gaining a foothold between the tiles. If this happens, they can start to lift materials up and away from the roof itself. This allows water to enter the house and increases the risk of damp and mould.

Hire a Professional Cleaning Service

It’s not very safe for homeowners to be walking around underneath loose or broken shingles. Getting up to the roof for cleaning and inspection can be tricky though, so you might want to make things easier by using professional roof cleaning services. That way, you can benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing your roof is healthy, without any of the usual work or danger.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Even if you love that leafy oak tree, with its broad limbs and wandering tendrils, it could spell disaster for your roof if one of them falls off. It would almost certainly chip or dislodge tiles and make an urgent repair the only solution. To avoid this, keep an eye on overhanging branches. If heavy ones pose a threat to your roof, get up high and cut them down. This will keep the roof safe and prevent fallen leaves from coating the shingles.

Keep an Eye Out for Rust

If there are any metallic components in the roof, you also need to keep a close eye out for signs of rust and corrosion. Spot them early and you can pursue a relatively cheap fix, but ignore them and the problem will deteriorate. You can get rid of most rust patches by taking a wire brush and scrubbing at the metal. Then, prime and paint the affected areas with a protective treatment. This will make it harder for the rust to come back.

Clear the Gutter of Obstructions

Obstructions in your guttering might sound like a minor problem, but they can very quickly worsen and pose a threat to the structural integrity of the home. This happens because water is not directed safely away from the foundations of the property. Instead, it pools around the perimeter of the home and sinks into the ground, only to appear as leaks in the basement later. Over time, all leaks lead to water damage, so it is imperative that you keep gutters clear.

Recognising the Importance of a Healthy Roof

If you don’t maintain the health of your roof, all kinds of nasty problems can develop. As soon as water gets into the top floor ceilings, for example, there is an opportunity for mould to grow. Robust protection from the wind, rain, and snow is essential; make sure that you always provide it if you want your home to stay in tip top condition.